What are you doing now?

I am currently working for Derby City Council in the Economic Regeneration team. The team I work in is called Enterprise for Education (E4E). E4E is an exciting Derby-based initiative which aims to link employers with schools and students in a bid to create a better understanding about career opportunities, raise aspirations, improve employability skills and provide a larger pool of home-grown talent for local employers.

What were the main reasons you took that course?

As a sixth form student who never really received any careers advice, I applied to go to university not really knowing what I wanted to do apart from help young people. I began completing an FdA degree with the intention of staying on further. The University presented us with a brand new and exciting course called Child and Youth Studies, which sounded ideal as it matched my interests towards a future career.

Why did you choose to study the course at the University of Derby?

The University of Derby was well known for its excellent courses that surround the education field.

What impact has studying this course at Derby had on your career?

This course gave me the confidence boost that I needed. Not only was it a practice based course allowing me to work with young people in primary schools across the midlands, but it was in depth and well-rounded to cover a diverse range of areas. For example, I currently deliver training to mentors across the city which involves safeguarding. Without going to university and studying this area in detail I would not feel as confident as I do today to deliver this information to other people working with young people in Derby.

How did the lecturers inspire you?

Besides being overall amazing, helpful and insightful, they had real life experience to draw on and were all passionate about their work. If you needed anything, they were always there for you, but they promoted ways to problem solve so that you could become a more independent adult and learn to trust yourself and your knowledge and experience.

How do you feel the University has helped you in your career so far?

Too many ways to list, but some of the main ones would include my confidence, knowledge and experience of working with young people.

What are your future plans?

To develop my skills into a management role and one day complete an MBA.

What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to study this course at the University of Derby?

If you want a course that is diverse, interesting and overall enjoyable, go for it.

"This course gave me the confidence boost that I needed. Not only was it a practice based course allowing me to work with young people in primary schools across the midlands, but it was in depth and well-rounded to cover a diverse range of areas." Emily Carter